Celtic could face a major blow in their search for a new manager as candidate Jens Berthel Askou may be on his way to France.
According to reports in the country that emerged on Tuesday, Motherwell manager Berthel Askou had been placed on a three-man shortlist by Toulouse, with the club looking for managers who have ‘overperformed’ this season.
Despite it being reported that he would be extremely keen on the Parkhead dugout, the chance to manage in Ligue 1 could be too good for him to turn down. And now, they have made an offer for the head coach.
Toulouse’s manager, Carles Martinez Novell, is leaving his role after three years in charge. The European outfit are looking for a solid replacement, and are also considering Olivier Pantaloni of Lorient and Christophe Pelissier of Auxerre.
The sporting director of the club, Viktor Bezhani, said (The Herald):
We have a shortlist, with French and international names on it. We hope to announce the name as soon as possible. We’ve already conducted interviews.
The future manager must be very dynamic, very positive, aware of the expectations of the thousands of fans who are waiting for goals. He must be someone who can work with young players and bring new ideas. We need to have a coach who has overperformed with modest means and that knows how to develop players.
Berthel Askou seems to fit the profile that they are looking for, so could the Danish coach be on his way to mainland Europe? It seems that way.
If there’s one thing this situation highlights, it’s that Celtic need to move quickly if they want Berthel Askou to be their manager. It seems like they do, but the Hoops are still interested in Robbie Keane, who could snatch the role instead.
If he declines their offer, which could be unlikely, then the Hoops will have no choice but to make contact. Things need to progress, and they need to do it now.
Before the club does anything in the transfer market, they need to have a manager through the door. Martin O’Neill, who won Celtic a fifth consecutive Premiership title last weekend, is all but set for an exit after the Scottish Cup final on Saturday, so serious work needs to be done by the Hoops hierarchy, and quickly.
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